Gynecomastia

[unencumbered (imported)]

Since my surgery I started using Androgel to overcome an increased loss of energy and depression and now I notice that I have some gynecomastia. Could this be caused by the Androgel? I didn't have it as much before my operation and my T level was below 100 for several years. Have others had this experience?

[Eddie (imported)]

The Androgel medication guide sheet inclosed with the medication, states one of the side-effect is Enlarged or painful breasts.

I wasn't on any HRT for the first four years after my castration and my breast started to grow. I've been on Androgel 2.5 grams since. My breast grew to a C size and a little over a year I had breast reduction surgery.

[SplitDik (imported)]

Whenever you take external testosterone there is aromatization -- meaning your body detects the unaccustomed level and tries to convert some to estrogen (leading to estrogen-type effects such as breast enlargement and an urge to go shopping at the mall).

Anyway, all bodybuilders take anti-estrogens to counter this. I have used Tamoxifen and Raloxifene continuously for years and think they are quite effective. You should ask your doctor to prescribe something like that as well.

[devi (imported)]

The way I understood it was that the body regulates its hormonal levels by using ratios rather than quantity. Men's bodies regulate a certain amount of testosterone with a certain ratio to estrogens and estradiol. Women's bodies have a certain ratio of estrogens and estradiol to testosterone with most women having a monthly fluctuation of ratios between different hormones. So when you take too much of either testosterone or of estradiol then the body won't strive to lower the hormone levels right away. Instead it will strive to convert the excess of one or the other into either the one or the other and you'll have too much of both. T AND E. (The dreaded "bearded lady syndrome")

[doneunuch (imported)]

I was castrated more than 10 years ago and have been using Androgel for about 8 years, and I've definitely had breast growth. They're not too big (I guess an A cup), but they're definitely noticeable depending on which shirt I wear. I don't try to hide them; I'm rather proud of them, and they feel great!